The Wakefield Trinity U15’s and U16’s program in 2023 proved to be hugely successful with the squad of 35 players all featuring over the course of the 9 game season which saw them defeat Salford Red Devils, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos and London Broncos. While losing out in hard fought matches against Wigan, St Helens, Warrington, Hull FC and Castleford.

 

The squad were led by former Wakefield Trinity second row forward Jamie Field as Head Coach and supported by Josh Jordan Roberts and Kevin Hall as assistant coaches while James Metcalfe lead strength and conditioning of the players. Rodger Lambert offered vital psychosocial and life skills support sessions to support the players personal development alongside their development on the Field.

 

At the seasons conclusion 14 players were taken from the scholarship into the academy program for the 2024 season. The young Trinty players will now embark on a new journey which will involve mixing work and further education with part time professional rugby League.

 

The list of scholarship players promoted to the academy squad consists of:

From Stanley Rangers:

Ethan Barnes

Alfie Briggs

George Britton

William Hardie

Noah Kershaw

Oliver Mcraw

Sam McKenzie

Ewan Molyneux

 

From Dewsbury Celtic

Noah Crawshaw

Zac Ellis

 

From Shaw Cross Sharks

Rowan Stephenson

 

From Castleford Panthers

Ellis Lingard

 

From Gateshead Storm

Finnley Thompson

 

From Queensbury

Tom Bell

 

A big thank you must be given to the players community clubs who’s volunteers have contributed to the development and skill sets that the players have shown to be able to reach this stage.

 

Wakefield Trinity Head of youth Matt Nicholson said “these lads have all shown some real promise and potential over the course of the two year scholarship program and I’m looking forward to seeing them all step it up into the academy environment. They have done well to put themselves in this position and to keep progressing up the ladder at Trinity.

However they are all aware that the real challenge starts now and the journey to be a professional rugby league player if far from complete at this stage, I look forward to working with them further next season”.

 

The new cohort will link up with the academy team in September before beginning a full pre-season programme in November.

 

The 2023/24 scholarship season will recommence on Sunday 3rd September when the new scholarship cohort will complete a lap of honour at half time of the Wakefield Trinity vs St Helens super league fixture.